Reds sign Youga

The club are pleased to confirm that we have signed defender Kelly Youga on a short-term contract, subject to him receiving international clearance.

The 29-year-old former Charlton left-back is a free agent having spent last year playing in China with Qingdao Hainiu.

Manager Dean Saunders said: “Kelly has been with us for a week or so and done well. He can cover left-back if anything happens to Ryan Dickson or Sonny Bradley.”

The deadline for signing players on loan before the end of the season is 5pm today (Thursday) and Kelly is our second arrival of the week, following the signing of striker John Cofie on Wednesday.

Youga began his career at Olympique Lyonnais in France before moving to England to sign for Charlton in 2005. He played 71 times for the London club and also had loan spells Bristol City, Bradford City and Scunthorpe United.

A Central African Republic international, he subsequently had spells at Yeovil, Ipswich and AFC Wimbledon after leaving Charlton before heading to China four years ago.

Providing his international clearance arrives in time, he will be available for selection for Saturday’s home game against Gillingham.